Witnesses in Grenada testify in US tourist slaying case

ST. GEORGE'S, Grenada (AP) — A preliminary inquiry into the killing of a female U.S. tourist in Grenada has begun.

Prosecutors on Friday presented the first of 12 witnesses expected to take the stand in the case against 27-year-old Dave Martin Benjamin. He is charged with capital murder.

Police say 39-year-old physician assistant Jessica Colker of Atlanta, Georgia, was killed Sunday. Police say she was walking with her husband on an isolated beach when they were attacked by man with a machete. Authorities say her husband repelled the attacker and ran for help.

An autopsy found that Colker died from extensive skull fracture and asphyxia. Police have said there were signs of sexual assault.

Benjamin does not yet have a lawyer. He is expected to appear in court again Monday.